Essex Boat Builder Backs Local Sailing Duo

Press Release

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Brightlingsea-based CTruk is sponsoring the town’s next Olympic sailing medal hopefuls, Team WhiteBoniface, on their quest to compete in Rio in 2016.

Rupert White, grandson of 1976 Olympic Tornado gold medallist Reg White, and 19-year-old Nikki Boniface competed together at youth level, winning ISAF Youth Worlds bronze and silver at the SL16 World Championships. Reunited for their Olympic campaign, the duo is aiming to medal in 2016 in the new mixed multihull class on the Nacra 17.

18-year-old White explained, ‘Without sponsorship from companies like CTruk, an Olympic campaign with all its related costs would be virtually impossible. We really value this support from a successful local business and look forward to sharing our journey to Rio with everyone involved.’

Commitment to investing in the local community runs deep within CTruk. The company was conceived when Andy White, naval architect and sailing smack enthusiast, questioned why more foreign-owned boats than local vessels were working on the Gunfleet Sands offshore wind farm back in 2009. He set up CTruk with Ben Simpson in 2010 and the company is about to launch its tenth composite 20T multi-purpose catamaran for the offshore wind market. Since the company’s inception, the management team has stuck to a policy of utilising local resources and suppliers where possible.

‘CTruk appreciates the cost of putting together an Olympic campaign and the commitment that Nikki and Rupert have shown to their sport. We are delighted to be able to contribute to this promising duo’s future successes,’ commented CTruk managing director Ben Simpson.

The composite vessel designer and builder’s recently launched corporate social responsibility program has also seen it finance two new trailers for Brightlingsea Coastal Rowing Club, essential kit for transporting the club’s two Pioneer Sailing Trust-built rowing gigs.